God calls upon Philistines and Egyptians (people whom Israel saw as evil
and enemies
) to assemble to Samaria (the capital of Israel) and then examine the conduct of Israel. God is sure: though Israel is supposed to be a city of peace and justice that cares for the poor, these surrounding nations will readily see that within Israel there is deep oppression. God’s point then is this: O Israel, quit living in denial. Even those around you, who do not know me like you do, can readily see your sin and guilt!
Let us now ask ourselves this question: how would we fare if those around us, who do not know God and his Word, would have a close look into our lives? What would they see? No, they would not see perfection—we all know that! But what would jump out at them? Would they see:
A consistent devotion to God and his ways for how to live?
A serious desire and attempt to handle conflicts in God’s ways?
A handling of money that shows
stewardship
?
Or would they see:
A consistent selfishness?
A pattern of handling conflicts in which the most important person is
me, myself, I
?A handling of money that evidently has no real concern for how the Lord wants his people to use it?
Would they perhaps see a godliness that is only a veneer that tries (unsuccessfully!) to cover up the reality and dominance of ungodliness and selfishness?
Again consider the question: how would you fare if unbelievers were able to have a close look inside and examine your life?
9 Faites retentir votre voix dans les palais d'Asdod Et dans les palais du pays d'Egypte, Et dites: Rassemblez-vous sur les montagnes de Samarie, Et voyez quelle immense confusion au milieu d'elle, Quelles violences dans son sein!